Examples of Matter
We explain that what are some examples of Matter? The Matter is anything that occupies a place in space , and is therefore affected by physical laws . Depending on its chemical nature, it is made up of molecules or atoms.
The atoms , which are the most basic and simple structural unit of matter, are in turn formed by a core with protons and neutrons , and a number of electrons orbiting around it .
Both electrons and protons and neutrons, classified as subatomic particles , are considered matter, because although they have sizes of the order of micrometers (1 μm = 1 millionth of a meter), they still occupy a place in the universe.
Substance
A substance is matter made up of atoms or molecules of the same nature or chemical structure. When a portion of substance is made up of only this substance , it is called a pure substance .
On the other hand, when there are different forms of matter accompanying the main one, it will be called a Mixture or Substance with impurities .
The term Mixture will refer to a combination of different forms of matter in which all will matter for the study of the portion.
The term Substance with impurities will be used when there is a main Substance, the study of which will be hampered by the presence of other forms of matter that will not give us information.
Body
A Body is a perfectly delimited portion of matter, and it is on which the physical laws will act. It has properties that will characterize it and make it unique in the universe.
A Body can be of all sizes, from a subatomic particle, to a Planet or much larger, and it will continue to be affected by physical laws; of course at different scales.
Physical states of matter
Depending on how close together its atoms or molecules are, matter will present itself in three main physical states: Gas, Liquid, and Solid .
Gas: It is the physical state of matter in which the particles are widely separated , colliding with each other and against the walls of the container that contains them. Gases are found mainly in the atmosphere , and as a result of many biochemical transformations . If the temperature is lowered enough, the particles will gradually organize and compact, until the next state of matter manifests itself: liquid.
Liquid: It is the physical state of matter in which the particles are organized by layers, which move one over another . This state of matter occupies a certain volume, and has a shape established by the container that contains it. If the temperature is increased, its molecules will stir until they become more and more disordered, forming the gaseous state. On the other hand, if the temperature is lowered, its molecules will become more and more compacted, losing energy until they have less agitation; the solid state will then be formed.
Solid: It is the physical state of matter in which the particles are organized in a compact arrangement , with an almost imperceptible agitation or vibration. This state of matter itself occupies a volume , and for it to be affected by physical laws there must be still a little more influence from external action. For example, there must be a force that takes it out of rest, so that other physical laws act on it, such as acceleration or displacement.
Properties of Matter
Matter, when presented in the Universe, has inherent properties that will identify it. These properties define the intensity of physical laws on matter.
Dimensions: They are the length, width and depth of the portion of matter.
Mass: It is the amount of agglomerated matter that forms a body.
Weight: It is the force exerted by the mass on the surface where it rests. It is determined by the acceleration of gravity.
Volume: It is the three-dimensional space that matter occupies. It is defined by its length, its width and its depth as a whole.
Density: is the mass of substance in each unit of volume. The more mass there is, the more compact the particles will be.
Temperature: It is the average kinetic energy of the molecules of matter, and it is measured with thermometers.
Examples of Matter
- The gasoline that fills the car’s tank is liquid matter.
- The computer’s CPU casing is solid plastic or metal.
- A cup for serving coffee or tea is solid material, which can be ceramic or porcelain.
- A pencil is solid matter, made up of Wood and Graphite.
- A sheet of paper is solid matter, made up of chains of cellulose.
- The water we drink is liquid matter, which can be in a glass or in a bottle.
- A candle is solid matter made of wax, which melts with heat.
- Glass is solid material that, if placed on windows, is capable of isolating from the environment.
- Honey is a liquid matter with a high viscosity.
- Fabric is solid material capable of covering bodies to conserve heat.
- Polyethylene is a solid material, a polymer used to make grocery bags.
- PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride is solid matter, a hard polymer that is used to make pipes.
- Mercury is liquid matter, the only metal in this state.
- Wood is solid matter that is used as fuel.
- Ether is a very volatile liquid matter that is used in engines to give them more revolutions.
- The air we breathe is gaseous matter that provides us with the oxygen we need.
- Helium is gaseous matter, the lightest noble gas, and is used to inflate metallic balloons.
- Neon is gaseous matter, the second noble gas, and is used in colored fluorescent lamps.